Egypt on High Alert Ahead of Vote Results

Authorities deployed extra security forces in Cairo streets and near key state institutions and police were ordered to "confront with firmness" any violation of the law just hours ahead of the official announcement of Egypt's highly disputed presidential election results. The June 16-17 runoff vote between the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, Mohammed Morsi, and Hosni Mubarak's last prime minister, Ahmed Shafiq, left Egyptians with nerve-wracking uncertainty as both candidates claimed victory and the results were delayed.

Both candidates have rallied supporters to the streets in a show of strength amid speculations about last-minute backdoor deals between the powerful ruling generals and the rising Islamists over power-sharing arrangements. Anticipation was high and there were fears violence could break out after today's announcement. (More Egypt stories.)